#winnie heard A Rumor and said oh ? OH ?

[ofpowdered]

location: wardroom.  time: several days into august.  with: @astowsway​

“i’m so glad you found your way here,” came the greeting as the other woman entered the space. an invitation had been put forth, as proper etiquette dictated, and an invitation had been answered. mrs. winifred hastings invites the woman once known as katja sørenson to mid-morning tea and conversation in the wardroom. of course, tea was never just tea. on the grand table meant for officers and only the richest, winnie made sure the whiskey also sat, innocent and ready to be touched. 

“katja hardly seems to fit you now. what might i call you?” a question that might define or strangle, offered with a teacup set in a nearby spot. “or rather --- who do you choose to be today?”  

for here was the truth of the situation, written in delightful betrayal and dramatic reveal: the little translator had finally become interesting. 

[howlingday]

nora the arc au) ozpin is super smug about bringing in jaune and nora when glynda didn't want to originally.

ozpin AND glynda are super smug to james when they bring up how great theri newest generation of huntsmen is.

basically lets have some happy times of ozpin being smug for a bit

Of Knights and Maidens

"You're looking well, James." Ozpin said as his close friend and headmaster rival, General James Ironwood entered, stoic as ever. In tow was his Lieutenant, Specialist Winter Schnee, the pride of Atlas and older sister of Ozpin's student, Weiss Schnee. The fact she chose Beacon over Atlas still warmed Ozpin's heart, or more accurately, his pride.

As rivals, Ozpin and James would constantly boast about their school's being superior to the other in one form or another. Was it childish? Perhaps, but a little friendly competition was good for the soul; kept the body young.

"And you as well, Oz." James replied. He stood next to the open seat, as he always did. For as long as Ozpin knew him, James never sat down in his office. When visiting Atlas, Ozpin would sit in the open chair, proving himself the more lax of the two. "I'm sure you understand if I stand, correct?"

"Oh, of course, James." Ozpin smiled, holding up an empty mug. "Coffee?"

"No thank you. I won't be long."

"Very well." Ozpin shrugged. He held up his mug, pouring coffee into it from the machine in his bottom drawer. As he lifted the steaming cup, he noticed Glynda rolling her eyes at him. She never understood his genius. "What brings you to Vale, old friend?"

"We're pursuing a rumor of a violent terrorist organization forming in Vale."

"Chasing rumors?" Glynda asked. "That doesn't seem like you, James."

"Normally, no, but one of my men reported something to us while he was on leave here in Vale. He said he saw this on an individual's shirt." James snapped his fingers, signaling Winter to present the photo of an armored chest-plate with three yellow lines curving upwards, each larger and more thick than the one below it. "Do you recognize it?"

"It appears to be the Arc family symbol." Ozpin answered.

"Indeed." James took the photo and handed it to Ozpin. "This photo came from an attack on one of our outposts in Atlas. The fool was shouting outside beforehand about how the Kingdoms have gone soft, and how we rely on Huntsmen Academies too much."

"So easy to call him a fool after the fact, right, James?"

"He was only armed with a baton he acquired from an antique shop weeks before." Winter explained. "His affiliates were also armed with similar old-fashioned self-defense weapons."

"I see." Ozpin looked the photo over as they spoke. "Have you spoken with the Arcs since then?"

"We have tried, but they refuse to answer. It seems rather suspicious."

"I see." He handed the photo to Glynda. "Glynda, would you be so kind as to contact the Arc household?"

"Of course, Headmaster." Flynda took the photo. "I will contact them as soon as-"

"Here you are." Ozpin said, handing her his scroll.

Glynda blinked. "Right now?"

"If that's no trouble."

"No." Glynda answered, taking the scroll. "That won't be a problem." She dialed the number and called. Almost immediately there was an answer. "Good afternoon, this is- Yes, hello, Mrs. Arc. I'm calling you about... No, Jaune isn't in trouble. He's... No, Nora isn't in trouble either... Yes, I'm certain... No, her grades have been passing..." Glynda blushed. "No, they haven't been- No, I haven't asked. I feel their privacy is their business... Yes, I would send her home if she was pregnant. I-"

James tore the scroll from her hands and placed the call on speaker. "Good evening, Mrs. Arc. This is General James Ironwood of Atlas Academy. We are calling in regards to your family being connected to a terrorist attack on an Atlas outpost." The other side was silent. There was a sound of shuffling on the other line, and muffled shouting. "Mrs. Arc?"

"Hello, Tin Boy." Nicholas answered. "How's the arm?"

"It's General." James growled. Ozpin tried his best to hide his smile in his coffee.

"I'm sure it is. Is this about the attack on the outpost in Atlas?"

"Yes. So you've heard about it."

"I did. Hard not to when it's my name in the mud. I'm surprised you're not making a bigger deal out of this."

"Why should we when it was a small, and completely failed, attack on an Atlas outpost?" Winter asked.

"Oh, Winny," Nicholas cooed, "I thought we taught you better than that." He returned his voice to normal. "It's not about the attack. It's what the attack means. Tell me, how many of your men were injured?"

"Three." Ironwood replied.

"So it took three of Atlas' finest to take down three untrained civilians? How does that make you feel, Jimmy?" James clenched his jaw. "I thought so. Oh, and in case you were wondering, my family has nothing to do with this. Believe me, if I wanted to fight Atlas, it would cost you a hell of a lot more than three men with booboos."

"Is that a threat?" Winter growled.

"More of an opinion." Nicholas replied. "Or is that too radical, Tin Boy?" A sigh was heard, and his voice shifted to a chipper tone. "Don't be afraid to call us again, though, Winny! You know you're more than welcome at our home." The call ended, and Glynda snatched her scroll from James' hands.

"Satisfied?" Ozpin asked.

Jaune and his team were out for a walk through Vale. The sky was blue with only a few patches of clouds here and there, the sun was shining, and he could have sworn he heard birds chirping in the dull roar of the bustling city.

He recieved a text from his mother. 'Be careful.' Jaune thought of calling her, but shrugged it off instead. She was probably just worried about him.

After all, what was there to worry about on a beautiful day like this?

[sweetingly]

My Darlin’

A Billy Hargrove Imagine (a short series)

———

Third Person POV:

“Come on Y/N, we have to go! Every single senior is going and we can’t seem like total losers.” Steve, her best friend, whined while tugging on her arm.

Y/N laughed at her friend’s childish behavior, slamming her locker shut. “I wish I could go Steve, but I already told you my family and I have plans for the tonight.”

His brown eyes stare at her pleadingly, and she lets out a low groan. Every time he gave her the same look he was giving now, she couldn’t turn him down. “Alright, alright! You better give me the best damn lie to tell my family though.”

“Oh trust me, I won’t let you down, buddy.” He teases before leaving her alone at locker and heading towards his class.

Taking that as her cue to get to her fifth period, she begins walking the opposite direction. Checking if she had everything she needed for Calculus, her eyes were searching over the book and supplies in her arms. Without a warning, her body collides into another person, their arms wrapping around her waist to keep her from falling.

“Woah there, darlin’.” A deep, husky voice catches Y/N’s attention and she’s met with a new face. A new hot face.

His low chuckle brings her back to reality, and she clings onto her belongings tighter. “For future preferences, you should probably keep your eyes up.” The newbie tells her before letting her go and walking in the other direction.

Y/N can’t help, but watch as he stops to speak to a group of other students. All of them laughing at something real quick then he continued walking down the hallway. Her daydreaming was interrupted once the late bell rang loudly, causing her to race to her class on the second floor.

———

The bell rang signaling the students that the school day was finally over and their Friday festivities could begin. Stuffing her belongings in her backpack, Y/N stalks out of the classroom following the rest of her classmates. She had got everything she needed out of her locker so all she needed to do was meet Steve at his car.

“Hop in dipshit!” Steve pulls up in front Y/N before she could go look for his car in the lot. She rolls her eyes at the new nickname, climbing in the vehicle and throwing her bag into the backseat. “I was thinking we could hang at the mall until the party starts.”

Y/N nods, “Sounds fun, just take me home first. I hope you came up with the best lie ever that you’ll be telling my parents.”

“Oh trust me, it’ll probably be the best one I’ve made up.” Steve smiles happily, and with that they begin to make their way to Y/N’s house.

The radio in Steve’s car plays music on a low volume so the two could hear one another if they were to speak. However, while Y/N sat in the front seat her mind still wondered about the newbie who she had ran into earlier.

“Hey, did you know we had a new kid?” She questions breaking the silence. “I bumped into him before fifth.”

Steve shakes his head while keeping his eyes on the road. “No. You know how it is at our school when we get new people, no one really cares. If they do then that means they must be someone like you.”

“Like me? What’s that suppose to mean?” She lightly chuckles, feeling confused.

“Oh come on, don’t play dumb. As soon as people heard that the mayors daughter would be moving here- literally the whole town wanted to get to know you. Open your eyes, Y/N, we all see you as the most perfect person ever.” He explains and Y/N thought about it for a second, realizing he was actually correct.

Even though the newbie was unexplainably hot, Y/N noticed how no one- not even the troublesomes spoke about him in her classes.

With no more words exchanged on the topic, Steve parked the car once they arrived at her house. They both climb out of the car and Steve locks it behind them as they begin to walk towards the huge house.

“I’m home, Daddy!” Y/N happily announces when they get inside. Before her and Steve got a chance to go speak to her parents, two little children came running towards them.

“Stevie!!” The kids singsonged as they wrapped their arms below his waist. “Are you joining us for family night?” Tony questioned.

Steve sends them a sad frown, “I won’t be tonight, I actually wanted to know if I could steal your sister for the night. What do you guys think?”

Kate happily claps her hands once she lets go of Steve, clinging on to the hem of Y/N’s shirt. “Are you finally going on a date? This is great!”

Steve and Y/N look at each other before laughing, Y/N bending down to her sister‘s level. “Oh no, we’ll just be hanging out with each other as friends- nothing more.”

As Y/N explained that to Kate, Steve wanted to jump and finally admit that he didn’t Y/N see as a friend anymore. He’s liked her every since he first laid eyes on her, but she’d never see him in that type of way. So he kept his mouth shut, her Dad and Stepmom making their way to the front entrance.

“Oh what a surprise!” Winnie’s smiles when she sees the two teens at the door with the youngins. “Steve, will you be joining us tonight?” Larry questions, his hand sinking down into his pockets.

Steve shakes his head, “Not tonight, sir. I was wondering if I could steal Y/N for night? We’ll just be going to the mall and then back to my house, since a few us are getting together for study session.”

Her eyes widen when she hears study session. This really was NOT his best one yet, she thought. But of course, with her parent being airheads half of the time, they believed him and his charming personality.

“I don’t see why we’d say no to that.” Winnie proudly stated, “Y/N, why don’t you go freshen up before you guys head out.”

Y/N nodded in agreement, telling Steve she’d meet him at the car before she ran upstairs to change. Throwing her bag on her bed, she races over to her closet choosing a outfit for a party, but also making sure it was something she’d “study” in. Once she found a simple white tee and a denim skirt she threw it on along with her slightly dirty white converse. Grabbing her purse and shoving her wallet and other personal items into it, she ran back downstairs.

“Love you guys, have a goodnight!” She shouts, and runs out the door before more words could be shared.

Getting into the car, Steve noticed that Y/N was actually dressed in something different aside from her normal jeans and graphic tees. Not that he had a problem with her normal style- it was just nice seeing the girly side of his best friend every now and then.

“You going to drive or just stare at me the whole time, creep?” She teases, breaking him away from his daze.

He shrugs it off by playful rolling his eyes, “Let the fun begin.”

———

Some teens would be super excited to go to parties considering it involved drinking, drugs, sex, and dancing. However, Y/N wasn’t enjoying it one bit. The girl had been left alone about twenty minutes ago when Steve had been invited to play a game in another part of the house. Y/N being her usual self, she decided to stay on the couch alone while drunken laughter and horrible singing surrounded her.

“Oh my gosh, Y/N?” Someone questioned from beside her, and she made eye contact with someone, whom she didn’t exactly recognize.

Her brow raises as she turns to the unfamiliar face. “I’m sorry, I think you’ve got the wrong one, dude.”

The person chuckles, “How could you forget your ole’ buddy from the eighth grade?”

“Oh my god! Logan, what are you doing here?” She happily gives him a friendly hug, pulling away after a second.

“I’m just visiting a friend for the weekend. He told me about this party and I didn’t wanna come at first, but I’m glad I did now.” He winks, causing her to blush a little.

“You must be exhausted from your drive from Chicago. How long did it take you?” Y/N asks, sipping on her drink from the red plastic cup.

Logan shakes his head, “Not long, besides I’d rather drive hours than stay in that hellhole back in Chicago.” He tells her and she sends him a slightly sympathetic expression.

“Damn, I’m sorry to hear you still have to deal with your shitty parents. Just know that you have this school year to get through and then you can finally move out.” She assures him and he agrees.

“Yeah, I can’t wait- hoping to move someplace on the west coast. I need something new.” He explains. “Enough about my sob story though, how does it feel to be known as the Mayor’s daughter? I heard you became popular quick once you moved down here.”

Y/N lets out a light laugh, “I guess you could say that, but it honestly feels pretty normal to me. I really just want everyone to treat me like they treat others so that’s what they do. I do appreciate being here more than Chicago- I feel more welcomed by my Dad and his family.”

Logan knew what she meant by the last part and he felt sympathy for her too. Scooting closer to her he places a hand on her thigh which Y/N doesn’t take too well, causing her to pull away instantly. She sends him an awkward smile before losing eye contact with him.

“Who’s your friend that you’re visiting? I might know them since it’s such a small town.” She changes the subject.

“His name’s Tommy- I’ve heard he’s known as the biggest dick in this town.” He says.

“Oh I’ve heard that too...I’ve never really spoken to him, but I hear lots of rumors and they’re not good ones.” She admits, instantly knowing who his friend was.

Once that was said, silence floats between the both of them. Without saying anything else, Logan felt the need to place his hand on her thigh again. Y/N’s breath hitching, and it wasn’t because she liked it- she actually felt uncomfortable.

“Logan...” Her sentence stops once she turns to him only to realize how close his face was to hers. “Could you-“

“Relax, Y/N.” He whispers and that’s when she smells the beer in his breath.

He was drunk this whole time and she hadn’t even noticed.

Before she got a chance to speak, his lips press to hers. The kiss he wanted to last forever only lasted for less than second, especially since she pushed him away. Her fist instantly colliding with his left eye as soon as she got the chance.

“What the absolute fuck?! You’re such a dickhead!” She shouts, getting up and running upstairs, making sure he didn’t follow.

Running to the first bedroom, she swings the door open making sure to close it and lock it behind her. She had no clue where Steve was, but she was staying in here until it was time to go.

“What’s got you in such a hurry?” A voice says from behind her, almost giving her a heart attack. Spinning around she’s met with the newbie from school, a lit cancerous stick was placed in between his lips.

“Damn,” He chuckled as he took the cig out. “Cat got your tongue again?”

Y/N breaks away from her thoughts, completely forgetting they were the only two in the room and he was obviously talking to her.

“I’m sorry,” She manages to speak up, heavy breaths still escaping from her as she tried to recover from the sprinting she had just did. “Umm, I was just playing around with a friend- a little game of hide and seek.”

“Well it doesn’t seem like a game, considering that your arm is bleeding.” He points the cig to her right arm.

“Huh?” Her eyes then glance down to where he was looking and she finally saw it. Logan must’ve scratched her in the process, but she was too busy worrying about getting him off her to where she didn’t even notice it until now. “It’s fine...I’m fine.”

Newbie chuckles once more, “No you’re not, let me clean it up for you, darlin’.” Without giving her chance to respond, he grabs a hold of her hand, taking her into the bedroom’s bathroom.

Y/N hops on the counter as he opens the top drawer for the first aid kit. She can’t help but feel somewhat shy as she sat there.

“You really don’t talk much, do you?” He breaks the silence, getting out the alcohol and the wrapping bandage.

She shrugs, not really knowing what to say. “I do talk, I just don’t know you...that’s all.”

Not giving a warning he rubs alcohol on the the three scratches and she jumps, hissing at the same time.

“My bad, I meant to give you a heads up.” He apologizes, fanning the area so it’d dry quicker. “Billy.” He simply says after a few minutes, causing her to raise her eyebrow in confusion. “My name’s Billy. See, now you know me so you can talk more.”

Y/N chuckles, “You’re still a complete stranger to me. For all I know, you could be the town’s serial killer.”

“Well I’m not,” He states as he finishes up wrapping up the cuts. “Plus a serial killer wouldn’t help their victims clean up their wounds. If I were then you’d be dead be now.”

“Mm, I guess you’ve got a point.” Y/N begins, swinging her legs back and forth. “Y/N, my name’s Y/N by the way.”

Billy eyes her for a second as he still stood in between her legs, his arms then set themselves on both sides of her. The smell of smoke and cologne filled Y/N’s nostrils, but for some reason she didn’t mind it.

“I remember bumping into you during school, but I didn’t know you were the famous Y/N.” He says after a few seconds of silence, his body still close to hers. “You’re nothing like who I imagined.”

Y/N’s eyebrows furrow, as she crosses her arms over her chest. “What did you imagine me as?”

He shrugs, fixing the position his legs were in. “Bitchy.” He simple says, a small smirk making its way onto his lips.

“Wow I don’t know if I should be offended or not.” She tells him, a teasingly.

Billy lowly laughs, backing off of her. He then digs into his back pocket pulling out another cig and lighting it.

“You know smoking’s bad for you.” Y/N sasses as she watches him blow out a puff of smoke. “Oh yeah? Who would’ve thought that.” He sarcastically answered, walking out of the bathroom.

Following behind him, she watches as he grabs his jacket and car keys off the bed.

“Are you leaving?” She questions, pausing him in his tracks. “Or going back down to the party?”

“There’s no way I’m going back down to that lame ass party.” He tells her, putting the cig into his mouth.

“Take me with you.” She blurts without thinking, Billy raising an eyebrow in her direction. “Please?”

“You thought I was a serial killer earlier and now you want to join me on ditching some party?“ He asks and she happily nods.

“I’d rather not be here anyway and I can’t find my friend- I just wanna get out of here too, especially after what happened.” She explains, referring to the small incident that happened with Logan earlier.

Billy scans over her face, and he notices that she seemed somewhat afraid. He figured that whatever traumatic event occurred then it be on her mind for awhile. Having some sympathy for her, he sighs, letting out a puff of smoke once again.

“Alright.” Billy simple says, “You can join me.”

“Oh thank god.” She smiles, following him out of the room. “Where are we going?”

Billy stares down at her, “Just trust me- it’ll be someplace better than here, darlin’.”

———

My apologies this is just my first imagine so it’s not the best, but I promise the next part will be better! Anyway, I’m a new blog and I’ll be writing imagines for Dacre Montgomery/Billy Hargrove, Joe Keery/Steve Harrington, Tom Holland/Peter Parker, any of the Why Dont We boy, and Dylan O’Brien. So if you have any requests then send them to me and I’ll try my best to get to them soon. Much love!! <3 <3

[jacquiesims]

Viper Canyon - Chapter Five

‘...She felt frantic and rushed, like there were a great deal of things she wished she had said to him and now there was no time for any of it.’

January 1852

Winnie entered the general store that morning, a gust of brisk air blowing in behind her as she closed the door with a solid click, smiling at the owner.

“Why, if it isn’t Miss Hawkins! How good to see you. I trust you and your family are doing well?” 

Mr. Monroe’s cheeks shone forth like two polished red beets above his snowy white beard as he shuffled forward from the back of the store, meeting Winnie in front of the till. 

“Good morning, Mr. Monroe. We’re doing very well, thank you for asking. And yourself?”

“As well as I can be with this arthritis bothering my old bones,” he replied, still smiling. “But that’s enough of that. Are you here for the job that I spoke about with your mother?” 

“As a matter of fact, I am. I came here to let you know I’d be happy to work at the store and I was very flattered you thought of me for the position.” 

He let out a great laugh from the bottom of his belly, reminding Winnie of Father Winter. She couldn’t help but smile in Mr. Monroe’s presence. He was the very personification of cheerfulness walking around on two stout legs.

“That’s wonderful to hear. Though I did want to ask you about something I heard – Viper Canyon may be small but gossip exists in every community, no matter the size – when I was in church just yesterday I heard something about you, and I wanted to know if it was true.”

Winnie was puzzled. What sort of gossip could exist about her ordinary life? Beatrice was the source of all the excitement in the family. Perhaps the rumor was about her younger sister and Mr. Monroe had gotten confused. 

“Of course. You can ask me anything, Mr. Monroe.” She tried to keep her face as warm as possible, lest her confusion confirm any false suspicions. 

“Is it true that you’re to marry Peter Langford, Joseph’s new wife’s boy?” 

She felt her heart start to beat a mile a minute. How had Mr. Monroe heard so soon? Her family had planned on keeping the engagement a secret until Peter’s eighteenth birthday in August. It was more than a few months before they’d planned on letting the news reach the townsfolk. Who had found out?

“Well…it doesn’t feel right to lie to you. Yes. Peter and I are engaged, but we won’t be married until after he’s turned eighteen and built a homestead.” 

Mr. Monroe nodded with a small sigh. “So, the rumors were true then. I congratulate you on your engagement, but unfortunately I have to rescind my offer for you to work in my store.” 

Winnie covered her mouth in shock as her jaw slacked open. “What? Why? Have I done something wrong?” She immediately began to recall the image of Mamma counting small coins on the table in the dim light of a single candle, caught when she thought her children had already gone to bed. 

“You’ve done nothing wrong, I assure you. But this position is for long-term employment, dear. I simply cannot have a married woman working behind the counter – you should be at home with your family, getting ready for your wedding, and after that you should be taking care of your husband. Not to mention that after the marriage you could be with child at a moment’s notice, and where does that leave me? High and dry with no salesgirl.” Mr. Monroe looked uncharacteristically sad. He gave Winnie a pitying look. “It would have been wonderful to have you working in the store with my son and myself. It breaks my heart to take away my offer, truly.” 

“Is there nothing I can do to change your mind?” Winnie cried, her voice cracking. “This job means to much to me and my family….” 

“No. I’m sorry, dear, but I won’t budge. It won’t do to have a bride-to-be as my salesgirl. If your sister were a bit older I’d be happy to extend the offer to her, but since not, I’m posting an advert in the newspaper today to fill the position.” 

Winnie was devastated. How could she return home and let Mamma know she had failed the family? She had longed to find a way to make herself useful in Viper Canyon, and her one opportunity to do so had been snatched from her over a marriage she still had mixed feelings about. 

In fear of shedding a tear in front of Mr. Monroe, Winnie turned to leave, only to crash straight into something solid and warm.

“Oh!” Winnie cried, rubbing her sore nose. “I’m so sorry – Elijah?” 

The formidable wall of flesh that she had crashed into was nothing other than the chest of a one Elijah McLain. He blinked at Winnie several times before clearing his throat. 

“Excuse me. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” 

She didn’t know what to say. The only other person besides herself, her family, and the family of her fiancé to know about the engagement was Elijah himself – the pieces clicked together in her mind as she stared into his green eyes. 

“If you’ll excuse me, I must take my leave. Good day, Elijah.”

As Winnie stormed down the dusty dirt road home, her mind was hot and boiling with uncharacteristic anger. Rationally, she knew that no matter what, Mr. Monroe would’ve had to let her go from the position. But there was no room for rational thought in her mind – in the heat of her frustration and embarrassment, all the blame was piled on Elijah’s head. 

There was no other explanation for how Mr. Monroe had heard about the engagement. Both families had been sworn to secrecy and Elijah was the only soul outside of either party to hear the news when Peter had slipped up in front of him the other night.

By the time Winnie had returned home, her head had been slightly cooled by the walk and the time spent in the warm sunshine. She knew it was wrong and sinful of her to hate Elijah for gossiping, but no matter how much she tried to suppress her frustration, it came boiling back up like hot water bubbling beneath a pot lid. 

With a great sigh, she entered the warmth of her family’s home, where Mamma was putting away the washing powder. 

“Why, you’re home early. I thought Mr. Monroe would’ve wanted you to start today.”

“Well…the truth is, Mamma…” Winnie wanted to dance around the subject as long as possible, but she knew deep down it wouldn’t do her any good. “Mr. Monroe changed his mind because he heard I’m to marry Peter. He said I should be at home preparing for the wedding.” 

Mamma froze for a moment. “He did? Oh, Watcher…that would be my fault, then.” 

Winnie’s head snapped up from the ground. “Your fault? But how?” 

“I was discussing the details of the wedding with Verity in church yesterday. We weren’t sure how we were dividing up the duties of preparing, and neither of us were very careful about making sure there were no prying ears around…we eventually noticed Mr. Monroe listening in on our conversation, but it was too late. We had hoped his hearing had gone enough in his old age that he wouldn’t have been able to make out our conversation, but alas, apparently it hasn’t.” She sighed, shaking her head. “Well, you’ll have to forgive me. We can find some other way to make do, I’m sure. We always have.”

“It’s all right, Mamma. We can think of other ways to get by…but my, that’s such a relief.” 

Mamma gave her daughter a curious look. “A relief how?” 

Even though Winnie wanted desperately to lie in the moment, she found that it was nearly impossible to fib to her mother. 

“I was thinking that Mr. Monroe had heard from Elijah about the wedding. I was in a terrible mood coming home from the store about it.” 

Without another word, Mamma simply smiled to herself, busying her hands with tidying the kitchen once more.

After a long day of tending to the livestock, the garden, and the rest of the chores, Winnie’s arms and legs were dreadfully sore. She had just finished washing her face in the basin upstairs, relieved to have the sweat and grime off her skin. Before she could collapse into the armchair with a good book, however, Mamma called to her as she came down the stairs.

“Winnie, be a dear and help Papa with the horse, won’t you? He’s in the barn.” 

Knowing that she would smell like horses until her next bath, Winnie sighed, taking her aching and tired limbs out the door with her to the barn.

She entered the open barn doors to find unexpected company – for the second time that day, she was surprised to see Elijah before her. 

“Oh! I didn’t mean to interrupt. I didn’t know Elijah was visiting.” 

The trail guide gave Winnie a stone-faced glance as he finished handing something off to Papa. Winnie’s father looked guilty as he tucked the item into his trouser pocket. 

“He was just stopping by about a little bit of business, that’s all.”

“All right, then…” she muttered, wondering what sort of ‘business’ Elijah would have with her father. “I’ll tend to the horses, Papa.” 

“I guess I should be on my way,” Elijah said. 

Papa gave Elijah a straight-lipped smile. “Thank you. I’ll be over in two days’ time, just like you asked.” 

Winnie looked at the two men with curiosity glimmering in her eyes. What reason did Papa have to visit Elijah’s home? Right away, her mind began to race with ideas about a clandestine agreement between them. But what had Elijah handed off to Papa as she arrived at the barn? They seemed to be anxious to keep the arrangement under wraps.

“I suppose this is farewell, then,” Elijah said to Winnie suddenly. 

She turned to face him. “Farewell? Are you going on a trip?”

“Er…in a manner of speaking. I’ve got to leave to head back east tomorrow if I’m going to make it to Independence on time to escort my next train.” 

“East…you’re going back east?” Instantly, she felt frantic and rushed, like there were a great deal of things she wished she had said to him and now there was no time for any of it.

He took a deep breath. “I’ve been hired as a trail guide again. Eventually, I know folks won’t have much need for men like me, but until then…I’ve got to make my living somehow.”

“So, you won’t be back until the fall?” 

Elijah nodded solemnly. “I’ll be back by October or November, if the conditions on the trail are fair. If not, December at the latest – but hopefully it won’t come to that.” 

“Watcher forbid you get stuck in any ill weather,” Papa said quietly. “I’ve got to run this into the safe inside. Thank you again, Elijah.” 

“You’re welcome.” 

Winnie watched as her father left the barn and entered their humble house. 

Now that they were alone together, Winnie was at a loss for words. There was a terrible hurricane of mixed emotions whirling around in her brain, making her feel whiplashed. She wasn’t sure exactly how to feel now that Elijah was leaving – her frustration over losing her job, her lingering worry over the argument with Bea, the anxiety about their finances, her forthcoming wedding woes, and on top of it all now Elijah was leaving and may not return to Viper Canyon safely, if at all? It felt as though there was a great elephant on her chest. She took a strained breath, trying to calm her senses. 

“I’ve asked your father to watch after my livestock and my home while I’m gone,” he explained. “I was handing him payment when you walked in.” 

There was a small raindrop of relief on her conscience. “That’s very kind of you.” 

“I’ve asked Joseph to do it for the past few years, but…I hope it’s not rude for me to say that I knew your family needed the money more.” 

“It’s not,” Winnie replied quietly. “Not rude at all.”

They stood in the barn for a few moments, neither sure of what to say. Elijah was the first to speak.

“You’ll…you’ll be married by the time I come back, won’t you?” 

The question took Winnie off guard. There was a sudden pain in her heart. “Well, it all depends…perhaps I shall be. Though I would like it if you could be at the wedding.” 

She remembered their awkward waltz at Joseph and Verity’s ceremony – Elijah was little more than a stranger to her then, and now she regarded him as a close family friend. There was a heavy guilt in her mind as she recalled her foolish anger earlier that day. She should’ve known better than to assume Elijah would ever put her or her family in such a position. 

“I hope I make it back on time.”

“I do, too.” 

She tried her best to smile, but it was unexpectedly difficult under the circumstances. Her family had been lucky when they crossed the trail. Although they encountered some hardships, they managed to all make it the almost two thousand miles to Viper Canyon safely and in one piece. Most weren’t so lucky. What if Elijah was hurt, or taken ill, or even worse – killed? The same bubble of sorrow in her throat that she had felt when Mr. Monroe took away his job offer agonizingly returned. 

“I’m going to miss you, Elijah.” 

He looked surprised, if not a little embarrassed. 

“I…hope you make it back safely. I’ll pray to The Watcher that you do.”

“Thank you.” 

Again, there was more pained silence. Elijah, too, was feeling that same sense of urgency to tell Winnie something – anything – that he couldn’t put his finger on. 

“I’ll see you, then. In the fall.” 

Winnie met his eyes. “I look forward to it.”

END OF PART ONE

Previous Chapter | Viper Canyon Index | Chapter Six

(I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. If anyone is looking to raise money for a charity, I recommend getting people to pledge one dollar for every time I make Elijah pose with his hand on the back of his neck. 

There will be a time skip after this chapter, so be prepared for things to be very different when Chapter Six comes! As always, let me know what you thought and thanks for taking the time to give this a read :) 

[prettyfunkyunorganized]

An Old Friend - part 2

Hey! More of Winston’s little story. My cat woke me up three times last night so I’m friggin’ tired. Hopefully this is properly edited? I think? 

Anywho, just under 2,500 words of platonic friendliness. Enjoy!

An Old Friend: pt 1

Winston drummed his fingers on his desk impatiently as he watching the spinning icon of the video chat, listening to the ringing of the ‘phone.’ He was more nervous than ever. Part of him didn’t want Bethany to answer, he couldn’t deny that, but she did – in a frenzy of blurred, half rendered, scrambled movement. When the image cleared, she was dressed in what looked like comfy weekend clothes and had a fork in her hand. Her eyes doubled in size once she saw him.

“Winny,” she gaped through a full mouth.

He chuckled, “Hey, Bethy-Boo.”

She coughed and hacked, choking on her food. “Just a sec,” she sputtered.

“Are you okay,” Winston asked worriedly.

“I think I just swallowed a whole ravioli. Oh god!” Beth was mostly laughing at this point and Winston was shaking his head in amusement.

“Guess I caught you at a bad time,” he said rubbing the back of his neck.

“No, Winston, no! Not at all. I’m just super coordinated,” Bethany giggled once she had recovered. “I’m so glad you called! And so quickly! It’s wonderful to see you.”

She had her hands poised over her heart and a sappy look smattered over her features. Winston hadn’t smiled this wide in years. “It’s good to see you, too.”

“And look at you,” she beamed, scooting closer to her screen, “you haven’t aged a day since I last saw you!”

“You have,” he laughed, then quickly realized how rude that must have sounded. “But in a good way.”

Bethany waved dismissively. “We were at very different stages in our bodily development at thirteen, Winston. No offense taken.” She sounded a bit like Dr. Winston.

“We really were just thirteen, weren’t we,” he remembered, somewhat amazed.

“Little more than a couple of whippersnappers,” she smirked.

He snorted in response, “It’s been a very long time since anyone called me that.”

“Uncle Harry?”

“Yeah. Why ‘whippersnappers’ was his word of choice, I’ll never know.”

“No kidding,” Bethany murmured. “You like the picture I sent?”

Winston laughed, glancing at the newly printed photo taped to his monitor. “I love it! Although, I have to admit I’m a little embarrassed to see my hair like that.”

“Whaaat,” she scoffed playfully, “you had the best mohawk ever Winny!”

“Don’t lie to me, Bethy,” he chided her sarcastically.

The two of them shared a moment of quiet reflection, lost in their own thoughts. When Winston looked back up, Beth was wiping tears from her cheeks.

“You alright, Bethany?”

She sniffled and nodded. “I’ll be fine. Feeling a little . . . I don’t know. Guess I just miss him.”

“I do too, I do too, but it’s nice to have someone to talk to about him. No one else knew him like we did,” Winston sighed.

“I know exactly what you mean,” she agreed. “Now I only wish I had contacted you sooner.”

“You’re not the only one who could have called,” he replied. “I’m sorry I never had the courage.”

“At least you called tonight,” Bethany said, leaning on her propped up arm, “for his birthday. I was going to make that Oreo cake he liked, but in the end, I didn’t have the heart.”

“I remember him talking about that, but the lunar base never had the right stuff. Suppose Oreos weren’t high on the priority list up there.”

“Should have been,” Beth joked half-heartedly. “What I wouldn’t give to share one last meal with him.”

Her voice hitched and she failed to stifle a small sob, turning away in embarrassment. “Oh Bethany,” Winston said softly, throat tight. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Winny,” she assured him, “you don’t have to apologize.”

That wasn’t true. There was plenty of blame on Winston’s shoulders, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell his old friend that story. Not now. Not when she had so much sorrow weighing down on her already. “What can I do for you, Beth? I know I’m not Harold but . . . I’m still here for you if you need me – even if I should have been here sooner.”

She took a deep breath and gave a lopsided smile. “Don’t worry about it, Winston. We both had our own lives and our own reasons for keeping to ourselves. I’m not mad or anything, honest. It’s just been a rough couple of weeks for me, and I’m feeling particularly alone right now, but I’ll be alright.”

Winston frowned. “Alone?” Beth nodded. “Don’t you have anyone else to call up? Some friends or other family?”

“Not really,” she shrugged, looking sheepish. “I don’t know how much Uncle Harry told you about my mom – his sister – but she has never been the most stable woman. Right now she’s in jail. Again.”

“Oh,” was all Winston could find to say, wriggling uncomfortably. He’d heard stories like this before, but it was different coming from his childhood friend. “Harold never mentioned anything like that.”

“Mom’s always been a mess, and our relationship has never been good for me,” she grumbled. “It’s been years since I last saw her. I’ve met a lot of other good people, though. Mentors and professors, friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, none of them are willing to stand by me at the moment.”

“Why is that,” Winston asked, anger furrowing his brow.

“I pissed off Vishkar,” she hissed bluntly.

“Vishkar,” he repeated incredulously, “you got on Vishkar’s bad side?”

She chuckled rather mischievously. “Yup. Maybe not my smartest move, but it was the right thing to do.”

“How did you mange that?”

“Well,” she explained, a proud little smirk on her face, “I’ve been working for a private research company for the past few years and was assigned to a string of so-called ‘accidents,’ ‘beneficial trading,’ and ‘small inconsistencies.’ Really suspicious, but carefully manufactured bullshit. Everything benefitted Vishkar – no one could deny it, but I just couldn’t convince anyone to take a stand with me. There was too much fear, too much blackmail, and too many bribes. In the end, I pushed the limits too far and got busted. I was fired, and most everyone I knew took a few steps back so they didn’t lose their jobs, too. Really makes you question what ‘friend’ means,” she mumbled.

“Sounds like you were in the right,” Winston said with a firm nod. “I think you should be proud of yourself, even if things didn’t pan out. At least you stood up for the truth, even when no one else did. That’s very admirable.”

Beth brushed the stray hair from her face and smiled. “Thanks, Winston. That means a lot coming from Mr. Overwatch himself.”

He huffed and shook his head furiously. “I am not Mr. Overwatch! That was Jack, through and through. Now it’s more like – “ Winston barely shut his mouth in time, but Beth wasn’t fooled.

“What’s that,” she asked, feigning innocence.

“Nothing.”

“Sounded like you were going to say someone else is the new face of Overwatch.”

“Nope.”

“You’re up to something, aren’t you, Winny?” Her grin made it seem as if she could see right into Winston’s mind.

“No,” he protested stunningly unconvincingly.

“Uh-huh,” she said doubtfully. “Whatever you say. But, just for the record, if you know who’s responsible for the sudden appearance of hopeful headlines and the whispered rumors of a group of people who are standing up for what’s right, tell them thanks for me. I think that’s exactly what the world needs right now. Hope and heroes.”

Winston chuckled, as an idea slowly creeping up into his head. “You know, some people would say what you did was pretty heroic, standing up to one of the most powerful organizations in the world like that.”

“I don’t know about that,” she said surprised. “I’m just a researcher – I don’t save lives or fight criminals like you do.”

“It’s not the physical fights that made Overwatch a force for good, Bethany, but all the fighting we did for the causes we believed in. We fought in the lab for climate change, in the streets marching for social justice, and in schools to promote understanding for the future. You’re definitely a hero, Beth, I have no doubt of that.”

“Aw, Winny, you’re going get me all teary-eyed again,” she teased gently.

“Would a job offer make you feel better,” he hinted.

She reeled and nearly knocked over her dinner, quickly steadying the bowl. “Job offer? Are you serious? But what about the Vishkar thing? Or, you know, my actual qualifications?”

“I can’t guarantee anything,” Winston clarified, “but I’d like to look into it. I’m already well aware that Vikshar is trouble, but trouble is nothing new to me. As far as your education and employment history go . . . Well, I may have been checking up on you over the years. And I did a little research before I called you today.”

Bethany burst out laughing. “You’ve been keeping tabs on me? Should I be worried?”

“No, please! Don’t be worried! I was only – ”

“I’m kidding, Winton, I’m kidding! God knows I Googled you about a hundred times over the years.”

“Really?”

“Winston, you’re the guy who took down Doomfist and saved a woman traveling through time – yeah I read up on you! Although, even if you weren’t doing all that, I still would have tried to see what you were up to. You were my best friend, after all.”

“You were mine too, Bethy-Boo, which is why I should warn you: the work I’m doing isn’t safe, or even legal, but I know it needs to be done. If you want to join me, I would love to have you, but if you want to play it safe, I completely understand. This life isn’t for everyone.”

She did hesitate, but not for long. “When I was little, all I ever wanted to do was follow in my uncle’s footsteps, but that didn’t pan out. I’m just not as smart as he was, but I still tried. Eventually, I found out I did my best work behind a computer and in the library, but I was still disappointed in myself. If I couldn’t be a scientist like Uncle Harold, then I had to find some other way to live up to his example. So, I tried to be as good as a person as he was and it was . . . fulfilling. I felt like I was doing something right. Then Vikshar came along and destroyed my work and made me feel utterly defeated.” She gave Winston a firm look. “I don’t want that stupid company to think that’s just okay, that they can stomp all over people like that – not to mention all the other terrible things I’d been researching. I want to help people again, Winny, I want to make a difference, risks be damned.”

“That,” Winston said with a grin, “was a wonderful entrance interview.”

She snorted and shook her head. “I would have put on something other than sweats if I had known this is how this conversation was going to play out.

“Meh, you look professional enough to me,” he said leaning back in his seat. “If you’re serious about joining up with us, we can go over all the details any time you like, but if you want to think about things a while, that’s understandable.”

“I am very serious, I promise, although I feel like I should clarify – we are talking about me joining the reforming Overwatch, yes?”

“Yes,” he nodded, “I will now admit that is what I’m doing here.”

“Then of course, I’m in! One hundred percent!” She looked giddy. “I’m dreadfully tired of sitting in this apartment not knowing what to do next. If you have a place for me and a use for my skills, I’m more than ready to pack up.”

“How would you feel about coming to Gibraltar,” Winston said excitedly, “meeting the rest of the team?”

“Buddy, I can be packed and out the door in two hours if you want me to be.”

“Two hours?”

Bethany scowled. “I don’t have a whole lot left here. When I was fired, my company stole almost everything I owned, saying it ‘contained sensitive and confidential information. I’m sure Vishkar put them up to it just to mess with me,” she seethed.

“That’s awful,” Winston frowned. “Are you safe where you are?”

“Um,” she said looking around, “hopefully? But the sooner I get out of this town, the better, I imagine.”

“Can you afford a plane ticket to the area? I will send someone to pick you up from the nearest airport if you’re able to swing it.” He began typing on his keyboard, looking up flights and wondering if he should send Tracer or McCree to fetch Bethany.

“Winny,” she almost whispered and the scientist instantly turned back to her. “Is this really happening? You really think I can help you and Overwatch?”

“Bethy,” he said in his most kind tone, “before I called you I stumbled across one of your papers from when you were in grad school, and it was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. You have a remarkable insight into the motivations and thought processes of both omnics and people, your research in through and creative, and the conclusions you draw are simultaneously logical and profound. There is no one here who does the work you do, and it is incredibly valuable work. I have nothing but the utmost faith in you. And I think you’ll like it here! You definitely won’t be feeling alone as often, I can tell you that much, but if you’re getting worried we can – “

“I still want to come,” Bethany chirped, waving her hands as if to brush away any doubts. “This is just a lot to process. But I’m excited! I’ll buy a ticket and keep you in the loop, how does that sound?”

“Perfect,” Winston replied in his booming laugh. “This is going to be great!”

His old friend was grinning ear to ear as they swapped personal information and comm links. They were about to say goodbye when Bethany stopped Winston.

“Hey, Winny? One last thing.”

“Yes?”

She adjusted her glasses one more time and flashed a pearly smile. “Thank you for this. I’ve been in a serious funk, but seeing you and talking about my uncle helped immensely.”

“I’m happy we finally talked again, too,” he agreed. “I missed you. Luckily, seems like you and I are going to be seeing each other plenty now.”

“I think Uncle Harry would have liked that.”

“Bethany, you know he would have been so proud of you, right? He talked about you all the time up there, and he loved you so much,” Winston replied earnestly.

“I – I’ve always hoped he would be,” she murmured, “but it’s nice to hear someone say it out loud. He’d be proud of you too, Winny. He always was. Always.”

@watch-your-grammer  @winchester-sonsandcastiel @envy-kitty

[womenofcolor15]

The Fashion Flex At Harper's Bazaar's ICON Party Was REAL - Zendaya, Janelle Monae, Tiffany Haddish, Normani, Kehlani & YG & More!

No fights this year! Just fashion. See looks from Zendaya, Janelle Monae, Tiffany Haddish, Normani, Kehlani and more at Harper's Bazaar's NYFW Party inside...

Harper's Bazaar ICONS party during New York Fashion Week went down without any shoe throwing antics like last year. This year was all about fashion and celebs in attendance really came through with the over-the-top lewks to celebrate the most stylish time of year.

Ditching the usual gown for a red carpet affair, “Euphoria” star Zendaya played up the androgynous vibes, rocking a charcoal grey Berluti printed suit with a tie and black Christian Louboutin pumps with tights to the event. Oh, and get this…

The power suit is from the menswear brand's Winter 2019 collection. So yes, chick can rock menswear just as fierce as she can women’s clothes.

Singer Janelle Monae loves a party look and she always executes her looks stylishly. The Dirty Computer singer hit the carpet in a frilly Alexandre Vauthier couture mini dress with a satin bow ties. She completed her look with sparkly booties, a mini clutch and crystal hairpins to keep her braided ponytail in tact.

The award winning actress brought her WONDALAND crew along with her.

After slaying her performance at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, Normani made her way to the biggest fashion party of the year.

The former Fifth Harmony singer served up thigh action in a couture netted one-shoulder Rami Kai dress that featured a yellow bustier bodysuit. Her hair and makeup was on point rounding out her ensemble.

Tiffany Haddish is never scared to step outside of the box in the name of fashion even if It lands her a spot on the Worst Dressed list. “The Last O.G.” star rolled up to the party in a bridal-like Karen Sabag dress. And well, it’s not our fave.

The Night School actress provided an update on her good friend Kevin Hart following his serious car crash last week.

"He's OK. He's doing fine," Tiffany told Entertainment Tonight during the bash. "As far as I know, from the last I heard, he's fine."

She said he's already making strides in his recovering, revealing, "He's already walking. He's good."

Glad to hear!

Well, show off then Winnie Harlow. The Victoria Secret's model did NOT disappoint in this Zac Posen concotion.

Model Slick Woods, who's currently starring on "Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood," showed off her love for fashion in a green Rami Kadi gown. We feelin' it?

"Orange Is The New Black" star Dascha Polanco posed it up in a Bronx and Banco gun-metal dress topped with a feathered hat.

Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys kept it simple in a Mugle LBD paired with coral sandals for a pop of color on the carpet. The singer - who's featured on the September/ICONS issue of Harper's Bazaar - was tapped to perform at this year's celebration.

New couple Kehlani and YG solidified their coupledom status, making their first red carpet appearance together at the ICONS party during NYFW.

The singer rocked a red Michael Cinco feathered ball gown that looked very similar to the Dolce & Gabbana gown Cardi B wore last year.

The new couple was all smiles in a photo-op with "Power" star Joseph Sikora.

Kehlani also nabbed a cute flick with Normani.

Speaking of couples...

Rapper Quavo got cutesy with his girlfriend Saweetie - styled in a cut-out Roberto Cavalli dress - on the carpet.

Can't front - she looks good.

"Claws" actress Karrueche - who was rumored to be dating Quavo a few years ago - rolled up on the scene with her fashion lover boyfriend/former NFL star Victor Cruz.

They were spotted getting kissy as well.  So cute!

"The Vampire Diaries" actress Kat Graham was all about peek-a-boo skin in this black Farhad Re couture gown.

Victoria's Secret model Cindy Bruna also wore Farhad Re couture at the event, showing off those A1 legs of hers.

Oh, hey Little Red Riding Hood! Model Halima Aden - who became the first model to rock a hijab & burkini on the cover of Sport's Illustrated's swimsuit edition - posed it up in a satin Phuong My hooded coat.

Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia Richie - who celebrated her 21st birthday last month with her boyfriend Scott Disick - sparkled all over the carpet in a LaBourjoisi two piece.

Model Jasmine Sanders - the ex-girlfriend of TV personality Terrence J -  put her best model foot forward in a pink Nedo dress with a Giuseppe Zanotti clutch and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Transgender activist Janet Mock never disappoints! Sis killed this Prada look.

Model Jasmine Tookes wore a white one-shouldered, high slit Paule Ka dress.

Fab model chick Alek Wek worked this colorful number accessorized with Cartier jewelry.

Model Joan Smalls worked the carpet in a Tom Ford dress with Messika jewelry, posing it up alongside her model friends Candice Swanepoel and Doutzen Kroes.

  Fab & fun times!

  Photos: Getty

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2019/09/09/the-fashion-flex-at-harpers-bazaar-nyfw-party-was-real-see-zendaya-janelle-monae-tiffany-

[doesmeadow]

blood is thicker than champagne;;

'Oh no' seemed to be the reaction of most familiar faces when Dorcas readied herself for a speech, some because they could imagine how out of place her usual words would be in the ceremony, others because they'd witnessed her spreading unconfirmed rumors and creating new aliases. Either way, it was bound to be a disastrous moment and, from the setup to the moment her accumulation of lies from the day would make her crash and burn, she would love every second of it. "Alright, alright." She made herself noticed by all at last, and the noise died out. Her smile, however, only grew.

"Alice and Frank. How shall I describe their fantastic union? The way they complement each other? The way their relationship has grown throughout the years?" She'd taken most inspiration for her impromptu speech from the previous ones, catching the details she'd never learned, since she hadn't been close to the couple up until recently, and even now 'close' was debatable. "It almost feels like a personal journey to me, as if I've grown beside that very relationship, feeling every devastating low, smiling at every euphoric high." She wasn't talking to the newlyweds but rather to an entire audience, her speech moving some of the people she'd shared her personal connection with them, while others just stared at her, aware that it was all bullshit at its best. "It was just so natural."

Dorcas finally turned to look at the couple and grinned. "Great line, Frankie. Also, thank you, everyone." She nodded at the sound of applause - but she was not done. "Ingrid Longbottom. Watch Coronation Street. Mondays and Wednesdays." The woman quickly turned her back to the couple once again; that was not meant for them. "I'd like to welcome Alice to the Longbottom surname, even though it has only held me back, personally. Don't get me wrong, they make a lovely couple and this is a very nice venue but, Ally, hun, don't count on the family for support." She took back a flute of champagne from Marlene, just to accentuate the fact that Ingrid was probably a bit tipsy. "I said it. Frankie - great man, beautiful eyes, nice handwriting, and I wish you all of the happiness even though I know you didn't want to invite me. Yeah. Aunt Winnie told me. 'Ingrid doesn't grow out of her childish dreams, look at her in soaps.' Well, I'm sorry I didn't become the next Doctor Who companion, they said I lacked gravitas!" She practically shouted her last word, chugging half of her drink. "But yes, my lack of talent and my impractical dreams - it was not because they weren't just looking for something different."

She sipped the champagne once again. "It's not like Frank is very observant, I mean, we all know about Alice's tattoo." She turned to face the groom. "Oh my God, I forgot her Frank tattoo on her lower back was a secret! So sorry about that, my bad, let me get back on track." Her back was turned towards them again, and the show went on. "Frank was always like this. I hate to be saying this, especially today, but I sent him a howler when I got my first role, back with Emmerdale and. I. Never. Heard. Back. When we were little he never shared, and I guess that was it. Longbottom reunions in Sutherland and I always wanted to play with him, or share meat pie, but he just wanted it all for himself. I can't be the important cousin because he has to be! You don't fool me with this wedding. This is a PR stunt. You are just jealous that I'm in talks for that Hugh Hudson movie so, classic Franklin, bringing back the spotlight to himself." Her eyes seemed bright almost teary. "You don't support my choices, you never have. This family doesn't have my back. I walk this road all by myself. But Frankie," she'd blame that scene on the alcohol later as in that moment all that mattered was to give Ingrid some justice, "I will always walk with you. That's what family does. I just want you to be happy and I hope that one day, you'll want me to be happy too." With that, she emptied her flute in a quick gulp and returned to her seat.